Don't Mention It, and Other Ways of Not Saying Something
To mention is to refer to something briefly. English uses the word most often in phrases about not doing it.
To mention is to refer to something in passing, without going into it. Some of its commonest uses are negative: *don't mention it* waves away thanks, *not to mention* adds one more item while pretending not to, and *don't mention the war* has become shorthand for a subject everyone is avoiding.
- To refer to briefly. *He mentioned it once.*
- A brief reference. *A mention in the report.*
- An honour short of a prize. *An honourable mention.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb | mention | Do not mention it. |
| Past | mentioned | As mentioned above. |
| Noun | mention | A passing mention. |
| Adjective | mentioned | The above-mentioned clause. |
| Phrase | not to mention | Not to mention the cost. |
How it is used in a sentence
- She mentioned you in her speech.Mention takes a direct object, not *mention about*.
- Thanks for the lift. — Don't mention it.A polite dismissal of thanks.
- He received an honourable mention.Recognition without a prize.
Ways of referring
- Mention — refer briefly, in passing
- Cite — quote as authority or evidence
- Refer to — direct attention to
- Allude to — hint at without naming
- Name-drop — mention a famous name to impress
From Old French *mencion*, from Latin *mentionem*, a calling to mind, from a root meaning mind — the same family as *mental* and *mention* itself keeps that sense of bringing something to mind.
Mention or mention about?
Mention alone. The verb takes a direct object: mention the price, not mention about the price.
Mention or allude?
Mentioning names the thing. Alluding refers to it indirectly, expecting the listener to catch on.